Search Intensifies for Missing Lynette Hooker in Bahamas

Recent data from Brian Hooker’s cell phone has led U.S. law enforcement to plan a search in new areas of the Bahamian waters, approximately 25 feet deep, for his missing wife, Lynette Hooker, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

The couple had departed from Hopetown, Bahamas, around 7:30 p.m. on April 4. Initially, Brian informed local authorities that rough seas caused Lynette to fall from their dinghy. However, GPS data from his phone, acquired by investigators, indicates inconsistencies with his account.

This discrepancy prompted U.S. federal authorities to request permission from Bahamian officials to search the newly identified area in the Abaco Sea.

Timeline of the Disappearance

Authorities have gathered information from a marine navigation app used by Brian during their outing. He claimed that Lynette was making her way back to their yacht, named Soulmate, when the incident occurred. Social media posts indicate that the couple often sails around the United States and the Caribbean.

Lynette’s daughter, Carly Aylesworth, mentioned to sources that the Coast Guard has requested DNA samples from their family to aid in the ongoing investigation.

The Coast Guard recovered their yacht, Soulmate, in early May and initially docked it in Fort Pierce, Florida. It has since been moved to Fort Lauderdale as authorities faced challenges removing it from the water.

Brian Hooker was detained by Bahamian police for five days following his wife’s disappearance but was not charged with any crime.

His attorney, based in Michigan, urged the public to give Brian the benefit of the doubt, suggesting that people react differently in distressing situations. She noted that empathy is important, as everyone has their own unique way of coping.

Fox News Digital has reached out for additional comments from both the Coast Guard and Brian’s attorney.